We can do this…lower rate of Diabetes

I just read a very disturbing article, “Big rise in Americans with diabetes, especially in South”, in Reuters that I wanted to share with you. The headline of the article said, “Diabetes cases up more than 100 percent in 18 U.S. states with the Southern, Appalachian states see biggest percentage increases. Are you kidding me?

Why is this so disturbing to me? Where most people, unknowingly, feel that diabetes is a genetic issue that you get because your relatives had it is a mistake. This is certainly one type of diabetes that is, unfortunately, not something where there are a lot of options to curing. But huge strides have been made in treating this over the years.

No, the type of diabetes I’m referring to is “Type 2 Diabetes” and is something that, in many cases, can be prevented. How? Lifestyle. Nutrition. Diet. And this really disturbs me as the CEO of an Optimal Health and weight loss company. It can be prevented. And when something can be prevented and it is on the rise, it causes me concern…as it should with many others.

According to the article, they said, “According to a study released on Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of diagnosed cases of diabetes grew by 50 percent or more in 42 U.S. states, and by 100 percent or more in 18 states.” Unacceptable. They went on to say, “Type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented through lifestyle changes, accounts for 90 percent to 95 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States, according to the CDC.” Ann Albright, director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation, said in a statement, “These rates will continue to increase until effective interventions and policies are implemented to prevent both diabetes and obesity.”

If this isn’t motivation to change our lifestyle, start getting the right nutrition in our bodies (eliminating all the hormone, processed, and junk food), exercise, and a different lifestyle that doesn’t crave these foods, these numbers will continue to rise. Not only is this bad for everyone’s health, it is bad for the economy (topic for another post). Suffice it to say, we are all paying for this while the food companies producing all this are making great profits. While they profit, Americans suffer and are getting unhealthier. This isn’t just a health issue; it affects all of us economically to support it. What do you think? Are you concerned about these staggering increases? Have you been affected by this in some way? Share your thoughts and experiences…